as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
Helen of Troy was supposedly the quintessential beauty of the ancient world
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of quintessential
With gold, orange, red, and bronze blooms, mums are the quintessential fall flower.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025
The beaches, as with much of Tuscany’s coast, are a mix of free public stretches and pay-to-enter beach clubs, but the combination of pine-scented paths, seaside strolling, and village atmosphere makes Cecina the quintessential Italian beach town.
—Erica Firpo, AFAR Media, 8 Sep. 2025
Strater Hotel The red-brick Strater Hotel has been a quintessential part of downtown Durango since 1887.
—Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
For decades, Iran was the quintessential nuclear hedger.
—Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025
The beaches, as with much of Tuscany’s coast, are a mix of free public stretches and pay-to-enter beach clubs, but the combination of pine-scented paths, seaside strolling, and village atmosphere makes Cecina the quintessential Italian beach town.
—Erica Firpo, AFAR Media, 8 Sep. 2025
Strater Hotel The red-brick Strater Hotel has been a quintessential part of downtown Durango since 1887.
—Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
For decades, Iran was the quintessential nuclear hedger.
—Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
Adjective
-
The addition of classic solar notes like benzoin, vanilla orchid, and amber woods ensures the sugary sweetness never becomes too sweet or headache-inducing.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The brand is classic but never boring.—
Libby Page,
Vogue,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The administration says Patel has been exemplary in his response.—
Erin Mansfield,
USA Today,
15 Sep. 2025
-
The robot showcased exemplary skills with the bat, whacking the ball precisely in a rally of over 100 shots with human-like agility.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The reigning Olympic and world champion Lyles hasn’t been perfect in 2025, either.—
Cory Mull,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Adidas Gender Inclusive Samba OG Sneakers The Adidas Samba sneakers are one of the most popular styles from the brand and a perfect versatile shoe for fall.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Gaza also has a Biblical presence, associated with the Philistines, the archetypal enemy of the Israelites.—
Marc Champion,
Twin Cities,
14 Aug. 2025
-
But given that finally writing that book is the archetypal one-day retirement dream for a lot of people, McGilchrist’s advice is especially pertinent.—
Jonny Thomson,
Big Think,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share